Chinese Crested vs Bolognese
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chinese Crested
Toy Group
Bolognese
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chinese Crested Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the hairless with silky hair on head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff with a full soft coat. Their fine-boned, slender body carries them with a light, flowing gait. Distinguished by their alert expression and vivacious personality, these dogs combine exotic looks with a warm, affectionate nature.
Bolognese Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Bolognese captivates with its cloud-like white coat and endearing expression. Distinguished by a compact, square-built frame and flowing pure white fur that forms loose, open ringlets, these charming companions possess a naturally dignified bearing. Their gentle, alert expression and dark round eyes reflect an intelligent and affectionate nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chinese Cresteds are more energetic than Bologneses, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chinese Cresteds require less grooming attention compared to Bologneses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chinese Cresteds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bologneses.
- Trainability: Bologneses may be slightly easier to train due to their Bolognese's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bologneses adapt better to apartment living, while Chinese Cresteds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chinese Crested and Bolognese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 13-18 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg | 5-9 lbs 2-4 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Lively | Playful, Easy-Going, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chinese Crested Temperament
The Chinese Crested is known for being affectionate, alert, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Bolognese Temperament
The Bolognese is characterized by being playful, easy-going, devoted, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chinese Crested and Bolognese, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Bolognese
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Bolognese
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Bolognese
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Bolognese
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Bolognese
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Chinese Crested Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chinese Cresteds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chinese Cresteds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Bolognese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bologneses need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bologneses require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
Bolognese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Hip Dysplasia
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
Pros & Cons
Chinese Crested
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Minimal shedding
- Good for apartment living
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- Requires skin care (hairless variety)
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
- Can be yappy
- May be difficult to housebreak
Bolognese
Pros
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent companion dog
- Good for apartments
- Highly adaptable
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be stubborn
- Separation anxiety prone
- Relatively rare breed
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chinese Crested and Bolognese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.